In vitro inhibitory effect of Hypericum perforatum L. ethanol extract on microbial growth

Abstract

Hypericum perforatum L. is a medicinal plant, traditionally used in few European countries as a sedative, antiseptic, pain-killer and a diuretic. Hypericum perforatum L. is a remedy for wounds and a calming agent for inflammatory processes. It has an antimicrobial effect on many viruses, bacteria and fungi. Candida albicans is a member of the normal flora of mucous membranes of the respiratory, gastrointestinal and female genital tracts. In such places, they can become dominant and cause pathological conditions, particularly in people who suffer from a compromised immune system. It is believed that the frequent use of broad-spectrum antibiotics and corticosteroids has a significant impact on the pathogenic effect of the fungus, due to its favorable impact on its reproduction. This paper presents the results of microbiological analysis of the effect of extract of St. John’s wort collected from locality Tuzla - northeastern Bosnia on 21 strains of Candida albicans, isolated from different regions of the human body, and four types of bacteria: Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus faecalis, Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The results of the research show resistance of Candida albicans strains and the tested gram negative bacteria to St. John’s wort, and sensibility of the investigated gram-positive bacteria to the extract.